Car insurance is a must-have for any driver, and the way you drive can have a big impact on the price you end up paying for it.

Being mindful on the road is often rewarded with lower rates, so fasten your seatbelt and use these tips to help shrink your monthly car insurance bill.

Stick to the speed limit

The secret to becoming an insurance company’s favorite customer is relatively simple: obey the laws of the road, perhaps the most important of which is to always follow the posted speed limit. Keep an eye on your speedometer as well as the side of the road for signs to ensure that you aren’t going too fast and can adjust as the speed limit changes; to help with this, some newer car models include intelligent speed assistance (ISA), which utilizes GPS and mapping technology to alert you to the current speed limit. Additionally, slow down when on a road that is not in the best shape and during inclement weather, both of which can increase the potential for accidents, especially if you’re going too fast.

Keep your distance

Stay within the three-second limit to maintain a safe following distance, which will help ensure that you have enough space to brake safely if they stop suddenly. Keeping a safe distance between your car and the vehicle in front primarily ensures safety but indirectly affects insurance premiums by reducing accident risk, demonstrating responsible behavior, avoiding traffic violations, and potentially qualifying for discounts based on safe driving habits.

Use headlights

Even when driving during the day, use headlights for better vision and visibility when necessary. While headlights are a must at night, you should also make sure to turn them on whenever it’s rainy, snowy, or foggy for better vision and visibility. Just as important, doing so will help other drivers see you better, improving safety all around. For a general rule to go by, switch on your headlights when you switch on your wipers.

Limit any distractions

Diversions while driving include a wide range of activities such as using your phone, applying makeup, or even eating. Here are some shocking statistics that will make you reconsider giving in to these distractions while behind the wheel.

• Eight percent of fatal car accidents are due to distracted driving.
• Driving and using a cell phone raises the chance of an accident by 400 percent.
• Distracted driving claims nine lives every single day in the United States.

Depending on your auto insurance company and coverage levels you select, causing an accident while driving distracted may result in premium increases of hundreds of dollars or more. To avoid this, make sure small pets and children are secure before putting your car in drive, always watch out for pedestrians and cyclists, and pull over if you need to check your phone or make any adjustments.

Try to avoid rush hour

Rush hour is when road congestion is at its highest due to so many people trying to get to or from work around the same time. In the morning, this generally occurs between 6 and 9 while in the evening it’s from 4 to 7. Avoiding the road can help reduce your risk of an accident; according to the National Safety Council, between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. typically sees the second-most number of fatal and nonfatal crashes. This is due not only to the higher number of drivers but also to increased odds of road rage, people rushing, and glares from the rising or setting sun. Cars also tend to steer too close together, making it harder to halt safely if another driver enters your lane or stops ahead. Remember to use your sunglasses and visors, allow ample room between your car and the next, and remain calm until the flow of traffic opens up.

Drive during the day

The only worse time to drive than rush hour is at night. Even though only a quarter of all travel happens after dark, nighttime sees about half of all fatal accidents. As such, hitting the road hitting the road in the daylight hours is usually the best way to optimize your visibility, better equipping you to see and avoid hazards. Plus, you’ll experience less drowsy driving (from both you and other drivers). If you have the need to pull over on the side of the road or for any reason, doing this when it’s light out will be your safest bet.

Take a break

During any long travels, it will help you stay focused if you arrange to take a few pauses from the driver’s seat. This is a perfect time to refuel, grab a snack, refill your coffee, or stretch your legs a bit. This is a perfect time to check your phone, grab a snack, refill your coffee, or stretch your legs. Then you can feel refueled and refreshed to hit the next leg of your trip with confidence

Utilize these safe-driving tips to take control of your insurance premium costs and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re a responsible driver on the road. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed auto insurance agent, who can assess your individual situation to offer personalized guidance and discuss other discounts you may be eligible for.